Environmental Education Leaders Program

Kupu participants walking along the coastline, actively searching for invasive species.

Environmental Education Leaders (EELs) are placed at DOE schools where they provide hands-on, work-based and ʻāina-based learning opportunities to prepare and inspire the next generation of local environmental and cultural stewards to enter the workforce in Hawaiʻi’s growing natural resources sector.

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Kupu participants sharing smiles and hugs while hiking along a scenic trail.

"What motivates me to continue my work is knowing that each day my efforts (even if they seem small) are working towards the betterment of students’ lives and the future of conservation in Hawaiʻi. I look forward to seeing the student’s faces as they grasp new concepts and make those mental connections that wouldn’t be possible without the help of our community partners and Kupu who give those opportunities to students." —Kelsey, 2022-2023 Cohort

Five Kupu participants standing in a stream, holding a bamboo and netting contraption for fish capture.

The Environmental Education Leaders (EELs) Program was created to meet the growing demand for environmental education in Hawaiʻi schools. As part of this program, EELs become the catalyst for natural resource education, Hawaiian studies, and conservation in schools. Learn more about the qualifications and benefits below:
Qualifications:
- Ability to manage and mentor groups of students
- Related work experience in education, natural resource management, Hawaiian studies or other similar fields
- Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with varied audiences
- Have own housing and transportation
- Driver’s license and willingness to drive students in 15-passenger vehicles
- Pass a criminal history check/driving history check/drug test
- Be at least 21 years of age
Benefits:
- Earn living stipend equivalent to $17.00 per hour
- Health care and childcare benefits (if eligible)
- Receive hands-on environmental education, leadership, and other valuable professional development trainings
- Network with mentors in the conservation and education fields
- Help protect Hawaiʻi’s natural resources and make a positive impact in your community!
Email education@kupuhawaii.com for more information.
The Environmental Education Department (EED) partners with Department of Education schools on a school-need basis. We provide direct support to teachers and students through the placement of Environmental Education Leaders, as well as strategic support at the school or complex level. Learn more below.
Eligibility:
- Be a Hawaiʻi public or charter intermediate or high school
- Have a Project Team: 1+ dedicated supervisor(s) responsible for working consistently with the EED to identify school goals and priorities and for mentoring, supervising the Environmental Education Leader, and able to attend mandatory supervisor training
Benefits:
- Supplement your school’s environmental and sustainability goals/curriculum with ʻāina-based and work-based learning opportunities
- Increase capacity through in-class support and mentorship of students
- Expose students to a variety of natural resource professionals and organizations that inspire career aspirations in students
- Receive strategies and accompanying resources to use in curriculum building
- Promote enrollment in NR pathways by students with varying interests and skillsets
- Build alignment opportunities between high and intermediate schools
Previous Achievements in Host Schools: building natural resource career pathways, supporting teachers in delivering environmental and cultural education, coordinating outdoor field trips and in-classroom guest speakers, creating curricula and projects to increase scientific exploration and environmental literacy, and mentoring youth in capstone and sustainability projects.
Current Partner Schools: Hawaiʻi Technology Academy, Kailua Intermediate School, Kalāheo High School, Kapolei High School, Nānākuli High & Intermediate School, Radford High School, Waipahu High School, Waiʻanae High School, Pāhoa High & Intermediate School
Email education@kupuhawaii.org for more information.
Since Launching in the 2013-2014 School Year
- 31 schools served
- 45 Environmental Education Leaders
- 12 cohorts